Washington Nationals 2015 MLB season preview and predictions

3 Players to Watch

1. Bryce Harper – Outfielders who hit 13 home runs with a slash line of .273/.344/.423 don’t usually lead off segments entitled “players to watch”, but Bryce Harper has always been the exception. Harper, who is now 22 years old, burst onto the scene by blasting 22 home runs as a 19-year-old in 2012, but the former top overall pick has slowed considerably since that time. The powerful outfielder battled injury issues for the balance of 2014, but some feel as if he will never come closing to reaching his announced ceiling as a 35-to-40 home run hitter with all of the tools. It isn’t exactly a “now or never” spot, with Harper still playing at an incredibly young age, but his development will be key in Washington’s pursuit of a title.
2. Drew Storen – Rafael Soriano and Tyler Clippard are gone, putting the closer duties fully in the hands of Storen. Like Harper before him, Storen announced his presence with authority, notching 43 saves during the 2011 season (his second year), but the 27-year-old right-hander hasn’t been a full-time closer since then due to some shaky performances. Still, Storen was lights out during the 2014 season, posting a 1.12 ERA over 65 appearances, and he profiles as a top-10 closer barring disaster.
3. Ryan Zimmerman – It wasn’t long ago that Ryan Zimmerman was the “face of the franchise” in Washington. The now 30-year-old signed a 6-year, $100 million contract extension prior to the 2012 season, but has been an interesting ride since then. Zimmerman always hits, as evidenced by a career slash line of .286/.352/.476 in more than 5,000 plate appearances, but his defense fell apart at third base, and Zimmerman enters the season as the projected everyday option at first base this season. Keeping him healthy and (reasonably) effective defensively is important to Washington, because they simply need his bat.

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